In the run-up to elections in West Africa, ECOWAS systematically deploys observation missions to safeguard the electoral process and maintain confidence in the institutions. Underlying these measures is a consistent objective: to ensure that elections are transparent, peaceful and recognised by both the public and political actors.
In a regional context marked by repeated political crises and often uncertain transitions, elections appear as a real test of the resilience and strength of states. The presence of electoral observers thus becomes a lever of democratic regulation. It aims to prevent tensions, regulate practices and strengthen the credibility of results.
“You know that ECOWAS founding documents aim to ensure that elections are the best way of ensuring accountability to the people. And ECOWAS also aims to ensure that good governance is based on credible and transparent elections. In this regard, the ECOWAS protocol requires that elections be organised in a way that upholds democratic values. Our mission is to observe whether these rules and values are indeed respected.”
Nana Akufo-Addo, Head of Electoral Observation Mission – GHANA
These missions rely on structured mechanisms, sometimes deploying more than 150 observers across the entire territory concerned. Their mandate includes assessing the regularity of the vote, equal access to the media, transparency in voting operations, and compliance with regional standards. In advance, consultations are held with electoral institutions, constitutional courts and media regulatory bodies in order to anticipate areas of tension.
“This is a traditional task carried out by ECOWAS under the Additional Protocol on Democracy, Good Governance and Elections. You know that ECOWAS has had this protocol since 2001, which requires us to observe elections in all Member States. And this observation is not only passive observation. It is active observation because, one year after each election, a report is produced. We sit with all institutions to draw conclusions on the technical aspects. And these technical aspects aim, ultimately, to improve two things. First, to improve the sincerity of the vote, and secondly, to improve participation as well. Because voters and citizens need to be reassured about the process and procedures.”
Amadou Diongue, Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission – Senegal
Beyond Benin, ECOWAS is intensifying its election observation missions across West Africa, in a logic of continuous presence during sensitive elections. In Guinea, 120 experts were deployed for the presidential election in December 2025, while in Côte d’Ivoire, a joint mission with the African Union supported the October 2025 poll. In Benin, the organisation continued this action with a dedicated mission for the presidential election on 12 April 2026, deploying more than 150 observers nationwide. These mechanisms covered the entire electoral cycle from campaigning to vote counting, with heightened attention to security, transparency and compliance with legal frameworks.
“First of all, there is peace across the country. People visited polling stations, there were no incidents, and observer reports from across the country indicate that there is generally peace throughout the country.”
Nana Akufo-Addo, Head of Electoral Observation Mission – GHANA
ECOWAS action is based on a legal framework founded on the 1975 Treaty, its 1993 revision, and the 2001 Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. This framework sets requirements including organising free elections, ensuring transparency in operations, and guaranteeing acceptance of results by all stakeholders. It is complemented by post-electoral monitoring through reports and recommendations aimed at correcting shortcomings and strengthening civic participation. At regional level, each election now goes beyond national borders and engages collective stability. Faced with rising electoral disputes and eroding public trust, ECOWAS is staking its credibility on its ability to enforce its own rules.
